The Garden Within Poem Summary Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English Class 8th

Back to: Andhra Pradesh Board Class 8th English Guide and Notes

Introduction

In this poem, the poet compares her heart to a garden. Her thoughts and feelings are equated with flowers and trees, while other people’s smiles become the petals from the flowers that grow in the gardens in their hearts. The poet believes that this garden and the wonderful things that grow in it will ultimately lead her to her soul.

About the Poet

Celia Berrell is an Australian poet whose poems deal with science and the environment. She contributes to a children’s science magazine, and has also illustrated many children’s books. Her poems use rhyming verse to talk about science and emotions.

Theme

The theme of this poem is the garden of the heart.

Stanza 1 – 2

There is a garden
in my heart
where beauty grows
in fits and starts.

Where smiles are petals
from the flowers
bestowed by others
from their bowers.

The poet says that there is a garden in her heart where beauty grows in fits and starts. This means that just like a garden is filled with pretty flowers and trees, our heart is full of beautiful thoughts and emotions. In this garden, smiles are petals from the flowers we have been given by others from their bowers.

Stanza 3 – 4

Nutritious hope
reaps seeds to feed
my spirit
for its every need.

With gratitude
I’ll reach my goal
To touch the island
of my soul.

In the garden of the heart, nutritious hope reaps seed to feed the poet’s spirit for its every need. Therefore, she receives encouragement that helps her spirit whenever she is in need. She says that with gratitude, she will reach her goal to touch the island of her soul. The garden of her heart will lead her to her true self with its beautiful feelings, the smiles of others and encouragement.